Fortunately for you, you’ve got a lot of control over what kind of first impression you make in a meeting. The way you dress, talk, walk and so on.

But in marketing, first impressions go beyond just meeting physically. It’s the first time i see your brochure, your newspaper advert, your business card. Its the first time someone tells me about you, the first time i land on your website

They accused him of some pretty hefty criminal activity in a few recent land sale deals. Now he’s suing the heck out of the Harare City Council and The Standard newspaper for defaming him. The price for their sins? $900 MILLION USD! That’s more than Tiger Woods’ Wife will get in a divorce settlement!

It’s a crazy story, but one thing is sure – guilty or not…

Business tycoons like Phillip Chiyangwa don’t take too kindly having their reputations messed up.

They know that impression and reputation can make the difference between success and failure in business.

Most small business people on the other hand, completely ignore this reality. Impressions are made by chance, not design.

How important is your image?

If you meet someone today, who can make a big different to your bottom line will you know what to say, and how? Will you fit into his world view of what kind of person he wants to give business?